ANOTHER NEW BOOK IS PUBLISHED!

We have a brand new year and brand new opportunities.  Recently I took advantage of one of those opportunities available and published my completed novel called "NORTHWEST PROJECT".  Now, what a trip that is!  Fun to do, and another accomplishment for my "bucket list." 

I have found that I love to write.  The children's book, "The Fly Away Balloon" was a completely different kind of project because it involved a simple story and illustrations.  It also was color, bright and fun color.  It was such a challenge, and it was fun learning how to do that. 

With that being said, "NORTHWEST PROJECT" was a completely different kind of endeavor.  It is strictly dependent on your words.  No cute color graphic to describe what is going on.  You have to do that description with your own words.  That is another ballgame altogether.  I found that if I pictured things going on in my mind, I would try to write a description as I could see it.  I would visualize the scene, as if I was making a movie in my head.  As the movie scene takes place you write it as you see it, or hear it.  SO MUCH FUN!

There are many other things to consider .  Do you know how many different ways there are to say the exact same thing?  Words are such a strong tool.  I am just learning how to scratch the surface of using our wonderful language to express what is going on in this wild and crazy blob called my brain.  And that can be a very interesting experience in itself.

Another challenge is "keeping it clean" with keeping it interesting.  By that I mean,  the use of your words can challenge the mind to  see what is going on in their own "picture"  in their own BRAIN .  But how to keep THEIR image controlled is another issue.  Well, the answer is, you really can not.  But, what you can do is be mindful of what images your words can conjure up. 

I really don't feel you have to be descriptive about gore, or intimacy, or other strong emotions.  Your own mind can take you places with your own imagination.  I do not find I have to be graphic or descriptive beyond the suggestion of what is happening. You keep it interesting by intimating in the readers mind . And the level they personally go to is in their own heads.  It makes the reader be interactive with the story being portrayed.  They then see their own version of what you are saying.  Does that make sense? If you make it graphic, they see graphic.  If you don't, they don't, but they get the gist of what is going on. The rest is then up to them. 

A challenge was the process of creating a proper format to fit into the publishers guidelines or template.  There are many ways to go, and the easy way is to pay the publisher to do the work for you.  That is the  easy way to do this. It is also a bit spendy.  Well, those of you who know me also know that I don't always do things the easy way.  My learning curve is a little longer sometimes.  But, I do love a challenge and with a little help from my friends and guidance from articles on the various web sites  , the challenge of putting it all together was finally accomplished.  Remember, the justification of the length of sentences , of words, of phrases as well as the placement of your paragraphs, the type of font, the size of the font, and on and on and on. 

By the time you go over your book in this process you have re edited several more times.  And to get to the place of wanting to publish, you have already edited and re written, so, your manuscript is rolling around in your head again and again.  By the way, spell check is a great tool, but, don't rely totally on that because I discovered, the word But and the name Bud are both proper words, neither misspelled, and when you spellcheck, your character's name Bud has just become But all over the place.  Your fingers typing can make proper typo's and not be caught by spell check.  So, they recommend that you read your manuscript an additional three times, just to catch those common errors.

So, if reading this does not discourage you, I challenge you to try this.  Write down what you are feeling by writing a fiction book, a teaching book, a "How to" book.  The statement , "there is at least one good  book in everyone," is a true statement.  We all have a story, or a poem or a talent you can share by teaching someone else.  Just step outside of your own limitations within your self, and express and publish. 

Please, take a moment, go on Amazon.com and type in my name.  Find "NORTHWEST PROJECT", and give it a whirl.  Read my simple little story, or read the adventure of "THE FLY AWAY BALLOON." Take the time to Fly Fly away with "Bitsy".  Then be inspired to take the challenge for this new year.  It is so much fun!

By the way, I enjoy doing this so much I am half way through writing  another novel I will talk about in another blog down the line.  Gosh, I sure like being retired, but I think I work longer hours now. 

Blessings!

ANOTHER YEAR IN THE BOOKS !

          We are about to put another year into the pages of history in a few days.  We can easily turn on the news shows and they will pass your year in review , over and over and over  in the next few days.  It is always nice to see which show finds which event to feature as one of the "biggies" for the year.  Some events they feature we would almost rather forget ever happened.

           Whether you are interested in Politics or Religion or Local Events, World Events, you have to admit that this year had a lot going on.  No, don't worry, I am not going on a tirade on any particular event, although, I can think of several that might bring me to standing on a soap box and shaking my fist in the air.  And I know you out there....which ones of you would be standing on your soapbox right next door to mine!

            But what struck me this morning is more on a personal reflection time.  This is another year in the book for my life , personally, as well.  I don't believe you think or reflect much on that until you reach a certain age in your life.  But, after you do reach "the age" , what ever that might be in your thinking, each year that ends causes a time to review what you have accomplished, or did not accomplish in the passing year.  What is left over , undone, still unaccomplished this is worthy to bring forward and continue work in that area.

             Well, trust me when I say, we have had many changes this year in our life.  Some good, some even better.  Each of us have our own measuring tapes, but personally, each change that comes down the pike has its own value, and I cherish each change.  My husband was hurt at work, and that caused many different changes for us, and still is.  We are working through his physical problems caused by the injury, and what that has meant in his ability to do even the simplest of things.  Yet, we have been able to spend time together, almost like other retired couples, with the exception, we can not go places and travel at will.  There are so many doctor appointments, poking and prodding, there is not time to enjoy the fruits of his labors yet.  But, that time is eventually going to roll around.  So, you fill your time with other enjoyments .  You know, an afternoon matinee once in awhile is kind of fun.

             I published another book this year.  Wow, what fun is that? !!  NORTHWEST PROJECT is another major accomplishment in my life personally.  Another learning experience, another time of working mentally and sometimes physically, just to get another book in the books before year end.  That is so important in our personal reflection time.  Mentally being stimulated, keeping the grey matter working on things.    Have another book 12 chapters written. 

              Lund Creations is still sewing and selling items in the gift shop and around.  Keeps me on my toes and my chiropractor in business.  You know, he tells me my head weighs in about 9 pounds.  I wonder if those pounds are all bright grey matter.  LOL...  This sewing business also keeps a person going.  Buying fabric is a wonderful hobby, sewing and creating things to put in the gift shop is so much fun.  Another stimulation for someone.

               Guess what I am saying is, keep adding things to your personal "book" to go into the history for the year.  Be excited for what God has in store for you.  Every change is HIM opening another window in your life.  If you did not finish something, take that as encouragement to work on it again this year, not as discouragement of a failure.  We try to think on the positive and not the negative. Remember the fun times and be encouraged about the harder times, as we have been Blessed with another year to make the harder just a little easier. 

                I am ready to close the Chapter 2013 and move forward in 2014, to see what politically can happen, what adventures are going on around the world, and look up, look out side of myself, help others when I can, encourage others in what they are doing.  Give unselfishly of your time, your encouragement, in your family, in your church family.  Not that you won't make mistakes, because you will, but look at it as another opportunity to do something better this next time around.  Sing a new song, sing it daily, and love a lot. 

Blessings to you all in our Happy New Year !

            

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, FINALLY !

AIN'T IT GRAND!

You know, in the Pacific Northwest, we just wait, patiently, or not so patiently,  for that day in April,  or even as late as May, when the sun comes out and it is actually warm.  The weeds start growing along with the grass, and the lawn mowers start humming .     This is what keeps us in the Northwest.  And it has to be fairly fantastic for those long winter rainy months to keep us firmly rooted in that wet soggy mossy environment.  But when spring has sprung, there is NOTHING like the blue skies and equally blue water of the ocean beaches and the Puget Sound and so many lakes. 

Spring brings on Easter, our celebration that JESUS IS ALIVE!
It brings on tulips and "daffy dills", crocus.  Planting fever runs rampant, and vacations are anticipated.  All of the above is true for us in the Lund house hold as well.  We are shedding the old, cleaning out the weeds, and turning over the soil for a fresh planting.  But the fresh planting can mean many things to us. And it should to you as well.

It gives us a fresh start to look deep inside of our selves and plow up  the soil of your heart and mind.  Time to refresh your thinking, and stand firm on thoughts and convictions you have re visited for confirmation.  The Lund household does that as well.  We are changing some things, and revisiting and reconfirming some things.  The truth of the Word does not change, nor can we change .  The truth of the Word is for yesterday and today and certainly for tomorrow.  As you read, and reflect and study and ponder what is taught to you, remember that.

As we look into the happenings around the world, and wonder, sometimes in fear, about what is in the news headlines, we question  whether "is it time" and "I am scared!"  DON'T BE !
GOD IS IN CONTROL!  Every moment, every second, every happening!  HE is  in control of what happens to you, day by day.  You are most important to Him and He is in control of things even in your darkest moments.  Trust and rely on Him to make your fears subside, and your days go well. 

Yesterday?  Well,  ... that is in the past, you can not change it, you can reflect and learn from your yesterdays, and change your course for today. You can start fresh, ask forgiveness, and move forward in a positive manner.    Your tomorrows are not here yet.  Tomorrow can be lived much better than your yesterdays.  Just ask Jesus to help you do that, and it will be so. 

So, when you are enjoying the beautiful sunshine in the Northwest, or Southwest, or Midwest or East Coast...where ever the sun is shining, let the SONshine in your life today, and you will find all of the slog and rainy days and mush of life can be retilled , the weeds pulled and everyday becomes beautiful!

That's my story,  and I am stickin to it!  Cause its true!

"You know, I was thinkin"

This morning I listened to one of the teachers on some channel on t.v. that I can never seem to find again for a few weeks… I think God plans for you to “stumble on to something” that applies directly to what you need to hear, or learn, or listen to. Like the message the pastor in your church conveys on a given Sunday, and you know he wrote that message with you in mind. Now you know that it has happened to you. Those messages were not all designed for “so and so that you wish could hear this!” LOL.. You must remember that those messages are for you as well…not just for the other guy.


So, It has come to my attention that we all should love ourselves and each other. We are made and designed in the womb by GOD, and by disliking ourselves we are saying that GOD did not do HIS job well. In reality, HE did HIS job just fine. Maybe WE have not always done or said or behaved in a manner that would be pleasing to GOD, but, we all say and do things that might have been said or done differently, better, with more finesse. Remember, GOD still loves you and you should still love yourself.

Learning where we have or may have offended someone, at one point or another, and recognize that it may have been or was offensive, learn from it and move forward, is a vital part of life. Trying to not do something offensive to that person, in that manner, in the future, is the best lesson to learn. It is also important to recognize that not all people will be upset or offended by the same things, but continue to work on what and how you say things to all people.




With all of that being said, one should not dwell in the mire that can sometimes surround these circumstances. We must learn and we must move forward with the knowledge that we are a wonderful work in progress. None of us are exempt from this process. We all are different in what we say and do, how we are learning our lessons, and how we apply the lessons. It is our choice in how we learn and apply and move forward.


The import key is TO MOVE FORWARD. I want to impress the fact that we can and must move forward, and not stay stuck in the mire. If we stay in the mire, we will not learn nor be able to progress in our walk with God, in this area, with our relationships or our personal growth here on earth.




Our ability to move forward in our growth within ourselves as well with others can make or break your growth in your walk, and visa versa. If we can not listen to what God is teaching us here, how can we move on to the next lesson we are to learn? And trust me, there will be many lessons we will need to learn. This life we lead will be a big major rehearsal, and as in all rehearsals, you go over the material, again and again and again until you get it down. Now we have some of these life experiences that are more painful than others… and do you really want to go through them again and again? Certainly not… so, learn, apply, and move forward.


B-I-B-L-E, Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. This is why we learn so many lessons while we are here.


It is equally important to understand that everyone is made differently. And as we are made differently, not all lessons will be handled in the same manner by God. How HE might approach one set of people may not be the same way HE would teach someone else. As we are all different, but none the less perfection, we are all lovable by God. If each person is made and loved by God, what makes us think WE can do any less?


A wonderful Pastor taught a lesson about OFFENCES WILL COME. We can not go through life without offending each other at one time or another. Offenses will come… but, you DO HAVE A CHOICE to move forward. Carrying the burden of unhappiness, and staying stuck in the same mire, will only bring that person more grief and unhappiness. Judgement of others is a heavy burden to carry, and leads no where in life, certainly not on a path filled with joy and happiness.


Make the choice to move forward, grant grace and learn not go in that lesson circle over and over. Learn to love each other as
God has commanded. That, after all, is the greatest commandment given. You too have offended others, and you should pray that others grant you the grace you should show others.


Another great teaching has to do with showing your family and loved ones respect and grace. Many times you are more judgmental of your precious loved ones and show much less respect to your loved ones then you show and give to a stranger on the street, or a casual acquaintance. Respect and regard seems to be a lost teaching in today’s society. Respect shown to your elders, relatives and person’s in authority is vital in your growth and walk.







Segregate the problem, address it, or own it or what ever applies, recognize the difference, learn to love yourself and others, show respect and grace, and walk into a wonderful life that God has intended for you. Leave bitterness behind, bring in Joy, and prepared to be blessed.

WHAT'S COMING UP IN 2012 !! ARE YOU READY???

As I look back over 362 days of 2011, I realize that time has gone by so quickly. Many say that age does that to us. As we get older, time does go by more quickly. AND, that is true. I see projects left undone, with thoughts in my mind of the day I made mental plans for this or that . I will get started when spring is upon us, or, when the showers stop, or a little closer to summer. I remember thinking I need to thin the raspberries, and split the dahlia bulbs. I remember hearing the wood will be chopped , little by little, month by month. But other projects, and fun times, and vacations, and illness, and, and , and.... the list goes on and on, and all of a sudden, we are at the end of the year. The dahlia bulbs did not get split, seperated much less dug up. The raspberries will wait for next year. And part of the wood was split, the rest will wait for next year.

This is the same way we sometimes view many things in our lives. Some things just do not matter. Why stress yourself over something that is not an essential in daily lives. We have enough things like work, politics, relationships, children, ALWAYS CHILDREN. These things bring on enough stress. Holidays, meals, cost of living, gifts for children and grandchildren. Those stresses are always with us.

But what about our faith? Where are we in our faith? Have we seen what is going on around us? Oh oh, look at the politics! That comes creeping in because, these days, politics DO AFFECT our our Christian faith. And what about World News and Happenings. We sometimes just chuck it away, as what could affect us half way around the world. "There are always wars and rumors of wars, but it is over there, not here. When it is here, I will worry about it." Quick newflash folks, when it arrives here, it is too late to be informed ahead of time. We will learn about it the hard way, first hand experience.

CHILDREN AND PARENTS. Parents with adult children can be a problem. And it is a two way street. Many times adult children see parents as "out of touch", or "older and can not understand this day and age". Sometimes, wisdom of those who HAVE walked a mile in your shoes, is misunderstood, unwanted and not considered. Many times they feel that the shift of power and knowledge and expierences is being transistioned to the younger generation, but not realizing that the wisdom and knowledge and training that comes with being the "parents age" is exactly what should be reveared and respected and listened to. Instead, PARENTS recieve criticism, and are set aside and dismissed. Many times, adult parents dismiss the knowledge and training and wonderful minds of the adult children. They continue to see their kids as "the kids", not as adults, working and making their way in life, and starting to raise their children, facing the same but different trials and tribulations that we faced. What both sides are missing is REGARD FOR EACH OTHER.

Which leads me to this point. We are later in the year, later in our lives, and it is later than many might think. We might not have much time left to make certain choices in life that need to be made. Political happenings and world happenings are leading to a path that is certainly affecting all of our lives in a big way. Our faith and commitments we make to Jesus are going to make a difference in our lives as the time is starting to run out. That decision is a priority. You might have 30 days, or 3 years, or 30 years. OR, you might have another 30 seconds.

YOUNGER GENERATION, it is time to recognize and regard your parents, your elders and respect them for their experience and knowledge and widsom. OLDER GENERATION, it is time to celebrate the upcoming youth for all of their excitement and ambition , their ideas, their experiences yet to come to them , AND their ability to stay up past 10:00 . REGARD, we all need to REGARD , LOVE ONE ANOTHER ! That is not a choice, but a command. Don't believe me? Then read the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. BIBLE !!!

The end of the year is upon us, and new beginings are just around the corner. Let us make our plans, finish our important tasks, help each other, love each other, and start the NEW TIMES out together, Because,.... in a twinkle of an eye, it will be here!

Blessings for New Year everyone.

MEMORIAL DAY 2011 JESUS IS MY HERO

Memorial Day, 2011 is here. It is a day for remembering fallen heros, remembering the military men and women currently serving overseas and at home. And remembering, of course, to reflect on the price our heros have paid for the freedom we experience. It comes at a very high cost.

SO.... Does that mean that we can remember JESUS on Memorial Day? YES!! HE is our fallen hero. HE died so our lives could be lived in freedom forever. The cost to HIM and HIS family has been spoken about for several thousand years, AND LONGER. We talk about the price HE paid every week, daily we remember the price HE paid for each and every one of us. BUT, not only did HE pay the price for all of us in the USA, but HE paid the price for everyone all over the world. HE did not limit HIS death to save just Americans, but for those who have believed, past, present and future, all around the world.

Yup, among many wonderful men and women have have gone before us, the leader of them all is OUR JESUS, OUR FALLEN HERO, WHO DIED FOR EVERYONE, WHO ROSE AGAIN, THAT WE ALL SHOULD HAVE FREEDOM FOR EVER.

REMEMBER THAT FACT when you eat your barbqued chicken and potato salad, corn on the cobb and strawberry shortcake. That is what we are going to have. Say a special blessing for Memorial Day, making JESUS YOUR BEST AND FOREVER FALLEN HERO!

DO YOU FRITTER?

Sometimes our lives get so busy, we forget what we have enjoyed doing. Do you ever get so hung up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, that you speed through the days without knowing if you have really accomplished what you wanted to do? I seem to do that all the time. And when you reflect on that, the realization that those moments you have frittered are gone forever.

This is not to say that frittering is not a good thing. Some of my best times have been frittering ...Just sitting and listening to the birds and feeling the sun on my face is not what I call frittering. Standing in my sewing room checking out my fabric stash with a smile on my face is not frittering. Sitting and looking out a window at the rain coming down with far away thoughts is definitely not frittering. So, what DOES constitute frittering. I am not sure I can say, but, I do know that those times looking out the window at the rain completely lost in your thoughts are reknewing times. And the feel of the sun on your face and listening to the beauty of the birds music is so relaxing and comfortable.

Maybe we loose moments we can not recover when we are angry for no good reason. (Is there ever a good reason to be angry?) Now that is a major waste of time. Or when we spend time trying too hard to please others and live up to others expectations. Maybe we loose valuable time being jealous or envious of others rather than be happy with what God has given to you. Maybe we spend entirely too much time in worry about our health or what could happen if this or that might happen, or, or , or... Those are not productive moments and we need to put those things away. Oh, trust me, I think of these things because I struggle with these frittered moments just as we all do.

So let us reflect on this... GOD IS IN CONTROL. HE does HIS job very well, and does not need our help running things. If we look around, listen, and appreciate our surroundings, we could realize that we are so well cared for. HE has provided us with a beautiful place to live, even with the rain. HE is in control of politics, even though we forget that frequently, especially at this time of the year. Hot cocoa, or tea, or steaming coffee, a good book or good music or a good movie on a rainy day , under a blanket, warm and cozy. That conjures up wonderful thoughts of warmth and security and happiness. No frittering there, just enjoying HIS creations for us.

Let us work on enjoying frittering .